Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

The creator of Stardew Valley, Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively referred to as "Stardew Valley 2." However, during an interview with TigerBelly, Barone tempered expectations by explaining that expanding the current game is far simpler than starting anew. "It's all the systems — all the major systems — are already all done. That’s the stuff that’s not fun to do. When I make an update [for Stardew Valley now], it’s like, you know, oh, throw in this, throw in that. Let’s add green rain — like, these random, whimsical ideas," he shared, indicating that the allure of adding fresh content to the existing framework is strong.

While Barone expressed openness to the idea of a sequel, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," he also emphasized his desire not to be solely defined by Stardew Valley. This drive led him to focus on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. However, fans shouldn't hold their breath for a release date anytime soon, as Barone noted there's "still a lot to be done," and he feels the new game "has got to be better" than Stardew Valley.

Our initial experience with Stardew Valley in 2016 was highly positive, earning it an 8.8 "Great" rating in our original review. Fast forward to 2024, and our reevaluation of the game resulted in a perfect 10/10 "masterpiece" score. We praised it, saying, "Stardew Valley is not only the best farming game I’ve played, it is one of my favorite games of all time. That myself and others keep returning to this eight-year-old gem each time it gets even the smallest update speaks to how it’s truly a masterpiece in the genre it both reinvigorated and has come to define."

For new players, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the latest 1.6 update from 2024, which introduces new crops, fish, and more, including the intriguing Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For seasoned players who have maxed out their skills, our Mastery Points guide offers advice on the next steps. If your journey takes you to Ginger Island, our guide can help you locate all the Golden Walnuts.